Apparatus for totalizing coins

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for directing electrical current to a controlled device in response to the introduction of a plurality of coins into the apparatus includes a coin chute and two switches located along the coin chute such that a coin passing through the chute will actuate the switches in succession. The switches are connected in series with each other and with the controlled device. The second switch when closed energizes the coil of a relay switch and that relay switch is connected in parallel with the second switch to bypass the second switch. Thus, the first coin effects closure of the relay switch which renders the second switch ineffective, so that the first switch only prevents operation of the controlled device. Thereafter, the subsequent coin closes the first switch and energizes the controlled device.

United States Patent Burzen Apr. 29, 1975 APPARATUS FOR TOTALIZING COINS Primary EXUHIiIttr-RObClI B. Reeves i Assistant E.\'uminer.|0seph .I. Rolla [75] Inventor Norman J. Burzen' Pdufig Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gravely, Lieder & [73] Assignee: I.M.M. Ventures Limited, Toronto w dr ff Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: Mar. 4, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [21] APPL 7 7 An apparatus for directing electrical current to a controlled device in response to the introduction of a plurality of coins into the apparatus includes a coin chute {52] US. Cl l. 194/9 R; l94/DlG. l and two Switches located along the coin Chute such [51] Int. Cl. G07f 5/12 that a Coin passing through the chute will actuate the [58] Field of Search l94/9- 9 switches in succession. The switches are connected in l94/13- 1 l; 307/1418? series with each other and with the controlled device. 317/135 K 154; 200/61-41- 3 The second switch when closed energizes the coil of a relay switch and that relay switch is connected in parl56] References Cited allel with the second switch to bypass the second UNITED STATES PATENTS switch. Thus. the first coin effects closure of the relay 2.800.988 7/1957 Timms 194/9 R switch which renders the second switch ineffective, so 3.l93 072 7/1965 Maxwell .v 194/13 that the first switch only prevents operation of the 241.647 3/1966 Moore t 194/10 controlled device. Thereafter the subsequent coin 3.762.527 iii/i973 DilddiS 194/9 R loses the first witch and energizes the ontrolled de.

vice.

6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR TOTALIZING COINS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to coin machines. and more particularly to an apparatus for totalizing coins.

Many products or services vended by coin machines do not equal the value of coins in circulation and as a result, the coin machine must be capable of totalizing coins, that is recognizing when two coins have been introduced into the machine. the total value of the coins being equal to or exceeding the value of the product or services dispensed. Only then will the machine operate and dispense change if necessary.

Heretofore devices for totalizing coins of equal value have been unduly complicated and expensive, or else have not been reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for totalizing coins inserted into a coin machine. Another object is to provide a device of the type stated which is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture. A further object. is to provide a device of the type stated which is highly reliable. These and other objects and advantages will become apparent hereinafter.

The present invention is embodied in an apparatus for directing electrical current to a controlled device in response to the introduction of a plurality of coins into the apparatus and includes first and second switches actuated by the coins and connected in series with the controlled device. The second switch controls bypass means which renders the second switch ineffective when the first coin passes through the apparatus so that a subsequent coin will cause the first switch to energize the controlled device. The invention also consists in the parts and in the arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification and wherein like numerals and letters refer to like parts wherever they occur:

FIG. I is an elevational view ofa coin chute and coin operated switches forming part of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the coin chute;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the coin chute showing one of the switches actuated by a coin; and

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic drawing of the electrical circuit for the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings (FIG. 1). A designates an apparatus for receiving coins and for further totalizing coins so that when the proper amount of coin is introduced into the apparatus, it will energize a controlled device C (FIG. 4). Normally, the controlled device C is some type of electric motor which is set in operation by the coin receiving apparatus A. but thereafter is controlled by a suitable timing device which keeps it operating for a predetermined length of time or for a predetermined number of revolutions. Such a timing apparatus is disclosed in application Ser. No.

425,525 of Norman J. Burzen, filed Dec. 17, 1973; entitled TIMING APPARATUS.

. The apparatus A includes a coin chute 2 (FIGS. I-3) which is sized to receive a specific size coin such as a quarter or a dime. The coin chute 2 is utilized in conjunction with a suitable rejector (not shown) for detecting the presence of slugs and coins of the wrong value and. forrejecting the same so that they do not pass through the coin chute 2.

Mounted adjacent to the coin chute 2 are two switches 4 and 6, each having an operating wire 8 which extends along side the chute 2. Each wire 8 at its end is provided with an inwardly turned cross portion 10 (FIG. 2) which, projects through arcuate apertures 12 in the front and rear walls of the chute 2. The switches 4 and 6 spring load the operating wires 8 such that the crossportions 10 are normally at the upper ends of their respective apertures 12 (FIG. 1). When so disposed the cross portions 10 lie inthe path of a coin passing through the chute 2. However, the lower ends of the arcuate apertures 12- are located at one side of the chute 2, and when the cross portions 10 are at the lower ends of their respective apertures 12 they do not obstruct a coin in the chute 2 so that the coin will pass through the chute 2 (FIG. 3). The spring loading on each operating wire 8 is not strong enough to resist the weight of a coin against the cross portion 10 of wire 8, and as a result, a coin introduced into the chute 2 will first depress the operating wire 8 for the switch 4 and then the operating wire 8 for the switch 6. Of course, once the coin passes by each operating wire 8 the operating wire 8 returns to its original position, that is the position in which its cross portion 10 is at the upper end of its arcuate aperture 12.

The switches 4 and 6 are connected in series with the controlled device C (FIG. 4) with the switch 4 being interposed between the switch 6 and the controlled device C. The entire series combination of the switches 4 and 6 and the controlled device C is connected between electrical lines 14 and 16 across which a suitable line voltage such as 24 VDC exists. The switch 6 operates a relay 18 including a coil 20 which is connected in parallel with the series combination of the switch 4 and the controlled device C. Thus, when the switch 6 closes the coil 20 is placed across the lines 14 and 16 and the relay I8 is energized. The relay 18 also includes a switch 22 which is operated by the coil 20 and is closed when the coil 20 is initially energized. The switch 22 is in series with the coil 20 and remains closed until the circuit in which the coil 20 is located is interrupted. Once closed, the switch 22 bypasses the switch 6 and renders it ineffective.

OPERATION Usually the coin-receiving apparatus A is in a standby condition in which the switches 4 and 6 are open and the coil 20 of the relay 18 is de-energized, in which case the relay switch 22 controlled thereby is likewise open. In such condition the controlled device C will remain de-energized, notwithstanding the voltage across the lines l4 and 16.

As previously noted, two coins are required to operate the controlled device C. These coins are introduced in succession into the coin chute 2 and each coin will depress the operating wires 8 of both switches 4 and 6 as it passes through the chute 2. As the wires 8 move. they close their respective switches 4 and 6. Therefore.

each coin momentarily closes the switches 4 and 6 in that order as it passes through the chute 2.

When the first coin passes through the chute 2, it first momentarily closes the switch 4, which has no effect on the apparatus A, and then momentarily closes the switch 6. The momentarily closure of the switch 6 energizes the relay coil 20, causing it to close the switch 22. Since the switch 22 is in series with the coil 20. it remains closed and in effect bypasses the switch 6. As a result, the normally open switch 4 remains the only interruption on the circuit to the controlled device C.

Thereafter. when the second coin is introduced into the coin chute 2, it momentarily closes the switch 4 and places the controlled device C across the lines 14 and 16. This pulse of current sets the controlled device C in operation. In this regard. it will be recalled that the controlled device C is further controlled by a timing apparatus which keeps it energized for a specific amount of time or number of revolutions.

This invention is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the example of the invention herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for directing electrical current to a controlled device in response to the introduction of a plurality of coins into the apparatus. said apparatus LII comprising: coin receiving means for accommodating a plurality of coins in succession, first and second switches actuated by coins as they pass through the coin receiving means. the switches being connected in series with the controlled device, and bypass means operated by the second switch for rendering the second switch ineffective when the first coin passes through the coin receiving means so that a subsequent coin will cause the first switch to energize the controlled device.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second switches are connected in series with each other.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bypass means includes a coil and a third switch operated by the coil.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the coil is connected in parallel with the series combination of the first switch and the controlled device, and in series with the second switch so that when the second switch is actuated the coil is energized.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the third switch is in series with the coil so that it remains closed as long as the coil is energized.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the third switch is connected in parallel with the second switch so that the third switch bypasses the second switch when closed.

TINTTETT STATES PATENT oTTTcE QCERHMQAEFE Q QQRRECTWN Patent NO 5,880,268 Dated April 299 1975 n ent Norman J. Bur-zen It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the Cover Sheet, Item should read as follows:

--= Assignee: Nordon Industries Inco Fenton Missouri -o gigned and gealed this sixteenth Day 0{ September 1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON Q. MARSHALL DANN Anesling Officer Commissioner ufPatems and Trademarks 

1. An apparatus for directing electrical current to a controlled device in response to the introduction of a plurality of coins into the apparatus, said apparatus comprising: coin receiving means for accommodating a plurality of coins in succession, first and second switches actuated by coins as they pass through the coin receiving means, the switches being connected in series with the controlled device, and bypass means operated by the second switch for rendering the second switch ineffective when the first coin passes through the coin receiving means so that a subsequent coin will cause the first switch to energize the controlled device.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second switches are connected in series with each other.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bypass means includes a coil and a third switch operated by the coil.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the coil is connected in parallel with the series combination of the first switch and the controlled device, and in series with the second switch so that when the second switch is actuated the coil is energized.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the third switch is in series with the coil so that it remains closed as long as the coil is energized.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the third switch is connected in parallel with the second switch so that the third switch bypasses the second switch when closed. 